CCM Ribcor 70K Skates Review

The CCM Ribcor 70K skates represent a huge update to the Ribcor line. Gone are staples to the line such as the Pump technology and lace lock feature which have been around for several generations. The skates now include a terrific set of features designed to improve fit and performance and make core users of the Ribcor line happy. But have they achieved their goal? Read on in our CCM Ribcor 70K skates review to see what we thought about the current generation Ribcor skate.

Before we get any further, I want to send a huge thanks out to CCM Hockey for sending over our Ribcor 70K review skates. We could not have prepared this review without them, so the help is greatly appreciated. With that said, let’s dive right into the review.

When it comes to boot technology, the Ribcor 70K made a nice jump forward. In the quarter package, a 3D lasted composite dual-axis boot complete with FlexFrame is being used as the ever important core. CCM redesigned their heel pocket and ankle shape in order to eliminate the classic Pump technology and while doing so, trimmed off roughly 70 grams of weight versus the previous generation 50K. The changes to the structure of the boot also allowed the Ribcor 70K to maintain the same fit and feel that Ribcor players are used to. Meanwhile, the quarter package includes strategically placed stiffness zones to help improve stride and increase range of motion.

Inside the boot is a dual zone liner which offers CCM’s best moisture wicking and durability materials, along with anti-wear material to help extend the life of those key areas that wear down quickly. Pro level ankle foams are located inside the boot as well offering an improved heel lock versus the previous version. This comes in handy with the removal of the pump.

The tongue is made of thick white felt for a great look and feel, and protection is increased with the injected HDPE foams. The foams are also heat moldable, and will comfortably wrap around your foot during the baking process in order to enhance comfort. Lace bite prevention is included, in case that is a concern, and is done so via the lace bite saddle on the front of the tongue which properly places the laces on the tongue.

Below your foot, you’ll find a CCM footbed with Griptonite material designed to help keep your feet locked in place. Beneath that, the outsole is made from reinforced composite outsole for increasing responsiveness and maximizing energy transfer. Carrying over from the previous generation are CCM’s SpeedBlade 4.0 holder and SpeedBlade black steel runners.

We’ve covered the basics above, but how do the skates actually fit and feel? And how do they perform out on the ice? Those are the questions we tried to answer when putting the skates through regular usage out on the ice.

When it comes to fit, it’s not unreasonable to compare the Ribcor 70K to their predecessor and say the fit is nearly the same. Slipping my foot in, I was happy with the comfort of the boot right away, and the way it snugly wrapped around my feet. I was never big on the two main components of the Ribcor 50K, the Pump and the lace lock, so I was happy to see that they went ahead and removed both. I never used the Pump technology for comfort or filling negative space, and I thought the skates did a fine enough job on their own with that. The same holds true for me with the 70K. Without any adjustments, the skates felt comfortable on my semi-wide and higher volume foot.

After skating for a bit my first time out, I noticed a bit of an ache on the outsides of my feet. I headed back to the bench and re-tied my skates, loosening the lower eyelets a bit and tightening up around the ankle. This seemed to solve my problem and allowed a bit more space for my foot while still keeping me pretty locked in.

While CCM has designed this skate to fit the majority of players out there, it’s always a good idea to try on the skates beforehand to ensure you are selecting the skate with the best fit for your foot shape. Your performance and happiness will definitely go up with the right selection for your foot, and those same feet will definitely thank you later for not squeezing them into a boot that doesn’t work.

Now, the Ribcor line traditionally has been focused on agility, and that definitely remains true with the Ribcor 70K. If you’re after quick acceleration or a powerful stride, see the Jetspeed and Tacks lines, respectively. But there’s a reason guys like Sidney Crosby choose the Ribcor skates, and it’s to see the performance benefits of a strong quarter package, while still maintaining enough flex in the right areas to allow you to be quick, nimble, and agile on your feet.

The Ribcor 70K skates definitely allow for that increased agility, but compared to the 50K, I see how this series has been pushed ahead. Enhancements and refinements in the structure of the boot created a strong quarter package, enabling more responsiveness and quickness. However, they were able to maintain flex in key areas to support the agility that has always been possible in the Ribcor line. It seemed like an incredible blend and was definitely noticeable out on the ice.

While I’m not a player who spends too much time focusing on sharp cuts, turns, or other agile moves, the Ribcor 70K skates were happy to aid me in that whenever the need did arise. Structurally and performance wise, I felt like I received the same benefits from an agile perspective that the 50K provided. On the other hand, during those times when I needed breakaway speed or a quick first few strides to chase a loose puck, the 70K’s performed better than they did with the 50K.

Overall, if you’re a player who embraces your agility out on the ice and wants to maintain that with a new pair of skates from CCM, the Ribcor 70K are an excellent choice. The changes to the quarter package make for a nice improvement versus the previous generation when it comes to maintaining flex with a bit of added stiffness, and the fit is still one that works for many players. Best of all, the CCM Ribcor 70K comes in at only $699.99 for a pro level skate, whereas CCM’s other lines range from $850 or $900 for that top-level skate.

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2 Comments

Kelvin Lee

July 5, 2018 at 12:14 pm

Hockey skate nut and yes, a very expensive habit. Hockey since the 60’s but since the 90’s, wore CCM Pro Tacks, Bauer Vapor XXV, Graf 735, RBK 11K, 20K and now the 70K. For my fit, the 70K fits me perfectly and did try Tacks and FT1’s. Sorry Bauer you lost me years ago and almost went back to Graf with the London production now. Go figure, CCM launched the custom fitting after I bought the 70K’s. My 11 and 20K’s were the Made in Canada run. From Tuuk 272 at 40+ years, the transition to the CCM SB 4.0+ holder was instant. A dedicated flat bottom sharpening user at more glide, still on the original sharpening after 4 months and 30+ games. The skates had no break in pain or ache or lace bite at all. Use the Superfeet carbon insole too.
If I went custom (and who knows) I would beef up the tongue where my Jofa 9060 shins dig in and maybe a bit more ankle foam.
It is a fantastic skate for me! 🙂

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About Matt

Like many of you, I have a passion for the game of hockey and the equipment used. You can typically find me searching for and sharing details about new and upcoming gear. Follow me on twitter at @matthwb.